Your Health

With end of year exams upon us, it’s easy to forget about the most important aspect of all – YOU!!

This time of year, things like sleep, exercise, friends and family often take a back seat to study, but it’s important to make sure you look after yourself too.

What you can do...

Keep active. Take a half hour break from study and go for a jog or walk the dog around the block. You’ll find you’re more refreshed and ready to tackle the next study block.
Sleep. It’s easy to neglect your pillow when there’s study to be done, but 2am bedtimes won’t help study or your health.
Eat well. While the temptation to reach for the block of chocolate is always strong during SWOTVAC, what your brain really needs is fresh or low GI food to see you through this time.
Socialise. Just because you’re studying doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with friends or family. Schedule in a coffee date or family dinner time to help take your mind off the books for a little while.
Avoid alcohol/drugs. This may be a little self-explanatory around exam time, but it’s important to keep it in mind throughout the year as well. MedSchool has always had a bit of a stigma around drinking and while it may seem a little silly, you can still have fun without being drunk!

While this time of year is particularly critical for those sitting exams, your personal health is something that should be considered by everyone all year round.

Everyone goes through their ups and downs, but it’s important that you can get on top of these issues before they start to spiral out of control. There are so many issues we face every day in MedSchool including academic (workload, exams, academic performance), personal (life events, relationships, neglected recreation or hobbies), financial and confronting circumstances (sick patients, stressed supervisors).

Don’t be ashamed. Many students feel there is a stigma associated with experiencing anxiety or distress. Feelings of weakness, shame and embarrassment are common, but they don’t need to be. The most important step for anyone feeling down or overwhelmed is to ask for help. It’s important also to look out for those around you. If you think someone is taking things a little hard or isn’t quite their usual self, ask! It’s better to be safe than sorry and you could be the one to make the difference.

Definitions

Stress: anyone’s response to the various factors influencing their life

Distress: a maladaptive response to these factors

Don’t let your stress turn into distress! Do something about it now.

What’s available to me?

Health Services (general)

University Health	University Health http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/health/ 8303 5050 University Health is on onsite GP clinic, located in the Horace Lamb Building at Adelaide Uni. They provide comprehensive and confidential health care to all University of Adelaide students and will bulk bill.
Doctors’ Health SA	http://www.doctorshealthsa.com.au 8232 1250 As a new and unique service created in 2012, Doctors’ Health SA is a service designed specifically for Medical Students and Doctors who need access to medical services. They have a 24-hour advice line for urgent enquiries (8366 0250) and also provide comprehensive medical check-ups with links to GPs in order to provide you with ongoing health care.
Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA)	www.amsa.org.au/getagp Forming a relationship with your GP is important throughout medical school and into the professional world. In 2010, AMSA launched a health and wellbeing initiative, which included the ‘Get a GP’ campaign. This has enabled the recruitment of GPs who are willing to bulk bill medical students. Visit amsa.org.au/getagp to find the one nearest you. (Often your own GP will bulk bill you as well – slip in the fact that you’re studying medicine at your next appointment and see how they respond.) http://www.amsa.org.au/keepingyourgrassgreener Keeping Your Grass Greeneris a guide that aims to get students thinking about their own health and wellbeing and provides insight and advice from some of Australia’s leading doctors.
SA Health	www.sahealth.sa.gov.au The South Australian government provides a number of health services to adolescents and youths. Included in the Health Services tab on their website are links to dental services, GP plus super clinic information, mental health, men’s and women’s health

Mental Health Services

Adelaide University Counselling Service

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/counselling_centre/

8303 5663

The Adelaide University provides a free and confidential counselling service for its students. To find out more, visit the above address or call the above phone number to make an appointment.

Beyondblue

www.beyondblue.org.au

Beyondblue has information on a range of mental health disorders including depression and anxiety. The website has a substantial number of links to other services to help you find the service that’s best for you.

Reachout

http://au.reachout.com/

Reachout have information and true stories regarding a range of mental health related conditions, from alcohol and drugs to loss and grief and everything in between. They also have links to a number of health services, for both emergency and longer term help.

Sane

www.sane.org

1800 18 SANE (7263)

Sane is involved largely in the promotion of mental health including campaigning, education and research. Through their helpline you can find out information about symptoms, treatments, medications, where to go for support and help for carers.

If you have any issues that may be affecting your study, please contact Jill Brooking on 8313 5387 or at jillian.brooking@adelaide.edu.au.

Still haven't had your questions answered?

Feel free to get in touch with Alyssa, AMSS Health and Wellbeing Representative, at alyssa.parsons@student.adelaide.edu.au or 0404 726 738 and she can help point you in the right direction.